BlackDog

• Homepage: http://www.projectblackdog.com/
• BlackDogKwikis
• BlackDog APT Repository - DEB packages ready-made for the BD. See http://www.archlug.org/apt for details.
• The BD is one of a new generation of MicroPCs
• Community: http://dogpound.projectblackdog.com/
• See also RealmK9
• ArchLUG's BlackDog-related Pages

Reviews

• Linux Planet Review (Dec 8, 2005)
• Linux Devices
• XYZ Computing
• Phoronix
• Biometric Watch (Jan 2006)

OVERVIEW

BlackDog offers open source developers an exciting new platform for mobilizing software applications. BlackDog represents a new breed of device that redefines what a ‘computer’ is. It can be programmed to carry your applications, data, web sites, desktop look and feel, with you, wherever you may go.

Develop applications and deploy them on BlackDog then launch and automatically project them onto a Windows XP host. Configure your BlackDog using our SDK, and the applications and interface will appear the same on many flavors of Linux. Design an interface, spin and run a web site, run a video game.

Program It – Port It – Plug It – Pull It, throw it in your pocket and do what you will with it – With BlackDog you ‘can’ take it with you!

Download our BlackDog datasheet, or read below for more detail.

HOW IT WORKS

BlackDog is a fully self-contained computer with a built-in biometric reader and a host of other powerful features. Unlike any other computing device, BlackDog is completely powered off of the USB port of your host computer – no external power adapter required!

To access and use your BlackDog, you merely plug it in to your host computer’s USB port and BlackDog takes over! Your host machine’s monitor, keyboard, mouse, and Internet connection are taken over by BlackDog for the duration of your session, when you are done, you simply remove BlackDog and everything on the host is returned to its original state.

HARDWARE

• Dimensions: H: .50” W: 1.75” L: 3.5”
• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• 400Mhz PowerPC Processor
• 64MB RAM
• 256MB or 512MB Flash Memory
• USB 2.0
• Biometric Scanner
• MMC Expansion Slot

SOFTWARE

• Debian-based Linux with 2.6.10 Kernel
• Software Development Kit
• Sample Applications

REQUIREMENTS

• USB 1.1 and 2.0 Compatible
• Linux or Windows XP Operating System

ROBUST FEATURES

• Plug and Play Power. BlackDog is completely powered by the USB port while connected and requires no external power adapter.
• Network Access. BlackDog can access any network available to the host computer that it is plugged into.
• Universal PC Access. With BlackDog, developers can access all applications and data on the device from any compatible PC.
• Designed for Mobility. The design of BlackDog makes the device durable and easy to carry.
• Robust Linux OS. BlackDog runs a Debian-based Linux operating system and comes with a variety of useful applications and utilities.
• Complete SDK. Includes environments that run on both Linux and Microsoft Windows systems.
• Multi- Factor Authentication. BlackDog uses two strong authentication factors – “what you have” - the BlackDog device, and “who you are” - your biometric signature.
• Platform Independent Graphical Applications. X11 applications running on BlackDog will look the same on Windows and Linux hosts.
• Automatic Application Deployment. BlackDog can be configured to launch applications on the host PC when it is plugged in.

PACKED WITH BENEFITS

• Broad Application Support. A wide assortment of applications can be ported to run native on BlackDog.
• Leaves No Trace. BlackDog leaves no trace of your application or data on the host computer.
• Fast Boot Time. Boots fast at under 2 seconds, complete with high bandwidth file system.
• You Can Take It with You. With BlackDog, you can port and access your applications and data from many flavors of Linux (depending on user configuration), and Windows XP.
• Lock Down Your Applications and Data. With BlackDog’s built-in biometric scanner, you can secure your stuff from prying eyes.